In this age of technology having a smart phone is no longer a luxury for the elite, but a commonality for people of all economic and social backgrounds. With so many smart phones on the market, simple phone functions are only a fraction of the phone’s ability. The functionality of these phones is constantly increasing as more applications are developed for things from finding local restaurants to online books, to translator services and more. With the vast quantities of apps to choose from it can be difficult to find the most useful ones. Because of this we have compiled a list of some of the most useful, free iPhone and Android apps available for use in Boston or wherever in the world you are!
The Transit App:
This app is recommended by the MBTA itself for keeping up to date on public transportation. The Transit App allows you to see the arrival time of the nearest buses and trains, allows you to search how to get from your current location to anywhere you choose through whichever form of public transportation is most convenient, and updates in real time for delayed or changed services! Other features include a station locator that gives you directions to the nearest station or stop, estimated transportation time for arrival at destination, daily schedules, and the ability to add favorite locations and switch directions for the return trip with the tap of a finger. Available for iPhone and Android
Kindle:
For readers the kindle app is essential. With iBooks on the iPhone, you might wonder why you should bother with the Kindle app. After all, the app is not as pretty as iBooks, nor is there an integrated store. However, the Kindle offers a massive selection of books compared to Apple’s app and the reading experience is unmatchable no matter how pretty the app. Available for iPhone and Android.
Around Me:
Around Me figures out where you are through the GPS on your smart phone and gives you a list of local stuff- banks, bars, gas stations, restaurants, hospitals, libraries and more! The reliance on Google maps info means there are some gaps, but it’s nonetheless handy to have installed when in unfamiliar surroundings. The “augmented reality” landscape mode gives you a visual of the locations and although amusing, it is somewhat flaky. Available for iPhone.
Dictionary.com:
This app functions as both a dictionary and thesaurus. Over two million definitions, synonyms, and antonyms are available in the palm of your hand with this offline app. The app is both fast and efficient and includes both phonetic and audio pronunciation of words and its interface is well suited to smart phone usage. There is also a word of the day function that updates with a new vocab word daily. Available for iPhone and Android.
Shazam:
This app is perfect for those constantly in search of new music to add to their playlists. Shazam is an app that feels like magic when your first use it and it’s deceptively simple. Simply hold your smart phone near a music source and wait while the app “listens” and tells you what track is playing. The sheer technology behind this simplicity however is mind-boggling. Although not always entirely accurate this app identifies most tracks with ease and is definitely worth a download. Available for iPhone and Android.
Uber:
Uber is the perfect app for the taxi users. Upon signing up your credit card information is stored and used for payment of the car services, so no in-taxi payment required, not even the tip! The app also texts you the name of the driver and vehicle info, an arrival time, and all the driver information to ensure you travel safely. Options for vehicles also range from taxi to black car to SUV and the app locates the nearest drivers to you. This app is also very simple to use, with only two taps necessary to get a car on the way to you. Available for iPhone and Android.
Google Translate:
This app is perfect for users learning a new language, or for foreigners who don’t speak the local language. It’s great for translating text between dozens of different languages. The most popular language options enable you to speak into your device and listen to audio translations. It’s also considerably cheaper and more portable than a translation staff. Although not all translations convey the message the most accurately, this app is extremely handy. Available for iPhone and Android.
GubHub:
This app allows you to find any restaurant nearby. You can search by type of food or by restaurant name and the app will give a list of restaurants and their online menus from which you can place your order directly for pickup or delivery. An estimate of the time before food is prepared or delivered is texted to your phone and the app automatically saves past orders for you to remember what tasty things you’ve gotten before. This app is simple to use and doesn’t even require a phone call to place most orders. Available for iPhone.
All of these apps are useful tools that continue to increase the functionality of the smart phone. Are there any other apps you would recommend? What’s the most useful app you’ve found? We want to know!
